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Port St Johns Local Municipality met with key government departments to confront the rise of illegal initiation schools. The meeting, led by Speaker Councilor S. Sicoto, took place under the local initiation forum. It focused on saving lives and tightening oversight across the region.
What Happened
The initiation forum gathered leaders from Social Development, SAPS, Health, and COGTA. They reviewed escalating risks linked to unregistered initiation schools. Several attendees raised concerns about operators who run initiations without training or certification.
“These deaths break families. We must act before another child suffers,” one official said during the session.
The meeting also highlighted recurring medical complications caused by unsafe practices.
Official Response
Speaker Sicoto urged all departments to close gaps in enforcement and to work as a united front. SAPS representatives outlined plans to track illegal operators and intervene earlier. Health officials stressed the need for stricter medical screening and rapid emergency response.
“Our mission is simple: Mabaye Bephila Babuye Bephila. They must go safely and return safely,” Sicoto said.
Departments agreed to draft a joint action plan and increase monitoring before the next initiation season.
Community Impact
Local leaders warned that illegal schools threaten families across Port St Johns. Many parents, they said, are unaware of the risks or the lack of qualified caregivers. Community structures will now assist with reporting and early identification of unsafe sites.
“We need parents to check, ask questions and speak out,” a Social Development official added.
